Amber Ale

July 13, 2010

True to its name, Boulevard Brewing Co.’s new Amber Ale pours a beautiful cooper color. I thought the aroma was mild but the flavor was bold yet smooth. The malt/hops balance was perfect, leaving a clean finish. With the 5.1 percent ABV, this could be a nice session beer, and also a beer I would introduce to friends who like the mainstream beers but are unsure of those “darker colored” craft beers.

The Amber is not yet available on its own in the KC market, so I tried it as part of a 12 pack sampler a couple weeks ago. While I’ve been underwhelmed with the last few mainstream releases from Boulevard, this one is closer to the mark. I agree, this should make a fine session beer (says a guy who doesn’t normally like ambers).

Boulevard has a good thing going. Drinkable mainstream brews for the mass market and some truly awesome brews from the Smokestack series for the premium market. They’ve really found their niche in the saison category. Saison Brett and Tank 7 knocked my socks off. I loved the Seeyoulater dopplebock also. Keep ‘em coming!